Native preimaginal parasitism of Harmonia axyridis: New record of association with Phalacotrophora fasciata in Italy

Since 1988 Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera Coccinellidae) has been established in more of 50 countries in the world, where concern has been aroused by its invasiveness and the possible negative effects on indigenous aphidophagous species. This study was focused on the research of a new association with indigenous parasitoids of ladybirds and this exotic host. Field samples of H. axyridis larvae and pupae were collected during 2013 and 2014 seasons and maintained under observation until emergence of adult ladybirds or parasitoids. Some larvae of Phalacrotophora fasciata (Fallen) (Diptera Phoridae) emerged from the collected pupae of H. axyridis, the first record of this new association for Italy. Samples of Dinocampus coccinellae (Schrank) (Hymenoptera Braconidae) emerged from adult ladybird collected as larvae.